NATA Eligibility Criteria

So you have finally made up your mind to be an architect. Good on you! Architecture is one of the rarest of professions that combine art and science, beauty and function, and imagination and pragmatism. But before you can go ahead and start designing fantasy spaces, there's an important obstacle to get through — the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA).

If you are wondering, "Am I NATA eligible?", "Do I need 12th?", or "What are the required marks?", you're here for good reasons. This guide shatters all your myths and prepares you for a confident start.

What is NATA?

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national entrance examination in architecture held by the Council of Architecture (CoA). The test evaluates the student's aptitude in the field of architecture, such as drawing skills, logical reasoning, mathematics, and general knowledge of architecture.

Eligibility NATA is needed to receive admission to 5-year B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) degree programs in most architecture colleges in India (excluding IITs, NITs, and SPAs who take JEE score into consideration).

Let us move to the eligibility part now. 

Who Eligible for NATA?

To be eligible for NATA, a candidate must fulfill some educational criteria. These vary slightly depending on the area of study, but the principal requirements are as under:

1. Educational Qualifications

You can appear for NATA if you have:

• Passed or appearing in 10+2 (Higher Secondary) with PCM subjects.

OR

• Have done a 10+3 Diploma recognized by the Central/State Government with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

This means that students of science stream and diploma holders pursuing math can sit for the test.

2. Age Limit

There is no age limit as such prescribed by the Council of Architecture for sitting for NATA. But you need to meet the age requirement as per the norms of institutions where you are taking admission in B.Arch.

3. Number of Attempts

You can appear twice a year for NATA (NATA Test 1 and Test 2) in one academic year, and the better of the two scores is considered for admission.

Is Class 12 Compulsory for NATA?

Yes, Class 12 or a similar qualification is mandatory, but here's the good news — you can give the exam even if you are in Class 12. Most students give NATA in their last year of school so that their results are available as soon as college admissions start.

But to take admission in a B.Arch course, you have to eventually pass 10+2 with PCM or 10+3 Diploma with Math, meeting the minimum marks requirement (as given below).

Minimum Marks Needed for NATA and Admission

Let's be real — this section can be a little confusing for most students. Okay, let's get it out the simplest way possible then.

For Appearing for the NATA Exam

First, some good news:

You don't require any minimum percentage in your diploma or 12th to apply for the NATA exam.

Yes, that includes even if you are right now in your last year of school or diploma and still awaiting your results — you can still give the test. So, don't fret just because your marks are not flawless yet.

But hold on, there is a catch if you're talking of admission.

For Admission to a B.Arch Course (After NATA)

After you pass NATA and take admission in architecture colleges, you are required to satisfy two academic requirements in order to qualify for actual admission:

1. You should have a minimum of 50% PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) marks in your 12th or diploma.

2. You should also have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in your final qualifying examination — that is your 12th board or 10+3 diploma course.

So although NATA does not request minimum marks when you submit your application for the exam, colleges do so when you submit your application for admission.

What If You Are a Reserved Category?

If you belong to a reserved category (such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or PwD), there is usually some relaxation of the minimum marks.

But here's the catch — the relaxation policies vary from college to college and state to state. So do ensure that you verify the precise rules of the colleges where you are seeking admission.

What If You Didn't Have Math or PCM?

This one's crucial:

You didn't study Mathematics in your 12th or diploma, then you're not eligible for taking either the NATA exam or a B.Arch course.

Mathematics is an obligatory subject — no going around this part. So if you are thinking ahead, ensure that your subject selection has Mathematics as part of it. 

Further Eligibility Information You Need to Know

Still unsure? Here are a few more things which students tend to question:

Are gap-year students eligible?

Yes! Had a gap year after 12th or diploma? Certainly. As long as you are fulfilling the subject and mark criteria, you are set.

Can NRI students or foreign nationals appear for NATA?

Yes, even foreign nationals and NRIs can appear for NATA, as long as they fulfill the same academic and subject requirements — primarily studying Math and passing through approved boards.

Is there any age limit?

No, there isn't any official age limit. Just ensure you're meeting the requirements laid down by the college you're applying to.

Does the number of years after clearing 12th make any difference?

Not for NATA. You can write the exam even if you cleared 12th a few years back. But then again, individual colleges may have their own regulations — so do check just to be on the safe side.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Build Your Future?

If you're a sketching enthusiast, a creative problem-solver who lives outside the box, and a fan of applying creativity to real-world problems — then architecture is a path worth taking. NATA is your doorway, and now that you know who's eligible and what it takes, it's time to plan wisely.

So, buckle up, remain focused, and let your thoughts come into form — because your dream buildings won't design themselves.